Shawnee State University is a teaching institution. To acknowledge outstanding teaching, the University has established an annual award which includes a monetary prize.

Criteria for Trustees Distinguished Teaching Award: Extraordinary dedication to teaching, which is demonstrated by excellence in the following areas: impact on and involvement with students, scholarly approach to teaching and learning; contribution to undergraduate education in the institution, community and profession; and support from colleagues, current and former students. Candidate must be a full-time tenured or tenure track eligible faculty member or full time instructor who has completed three years of service at SSU at the time of nomination.